Nonito Donaire Sr. is confident of his pupil’s chances, undefeated super bantamweight Jundy Maraon, against Juan Carlos Payano in New Jersey this Friday.

The boxing trainer in an interview with Philboxing.com expressed optimism that Maraon (15-0-1, 12 KOs) will be able to assert himself against Payano (13-0, 7 KOs) who is also undefeated in the ring as a fighter.

(We have a good chance of winning this fight, and Jundy is in shape. We have been training for a long time even if there aren’t any fights scheduled.)

Both trainer and boxer are delighted to not only fight for a title eliminator (WBA super bantamweight) but to be featured as the headliner of ESPN’s boxing series, Friday Night Fights, which will air live at 9 pm EST on ESPN 2 and ESPN Deportes this coming Friday.

(I don’t believe in that. Because when Jundy came to me, we never missed a day in the gym, except for Sundays. )

Maraon, according to his trainer is on track to make the weight limit of 118 pounds for Thursday’s weigh-in. The boxer is currently weighing in the 120 pound range, a week before his fight, which is only two pounds above the limit.

Donaire Sr. will be joined in Maraon’s corner by his co-manager, Vince Scolpino and Arvin Jugarap. The trainer will also act as his boxer’s cut man if needed during the fight.

Team Maranon will be leaving San Leandro, California on Wednesday morning and arrived in New Jersey in the afternoon.